Senators Reintroduce Educator Preparation Reform Act

On December 17, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) with original cosponsor Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) reintroduced the Educator Preparation Reform Act (EPRA). In addition, we expect that Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) will reintroduce EPRA in the U.S. House of Representatives early next year. We appreciate the continued support from both Senator Reed and Representative Honda on strengthening teacher preparation programs in the Higher Education Act (HEA), and we are pleased to see Senator Casey supporting EPRA on introduction as well this congress.

EPRA reauthorizes Title II of HEA—the title responsible for teacher preparation—and has the support of more than 20 PK-12 and higher education associations, including AACTE. You can read the bill text, review current action on S. 2419, and view cosponsors here. Furthermore, you can read Senator Reed’s remarks on the introduction of EPRA here (under No. 2).

This version of EPRA is different from previous iterations, which AACTE also supported. This latest measure improves the Teacher Quality Partnerships, strengthens accountability for programs that prepare teachers, streamlines reporting requirements, and reforms the TEACH grants found in Title IV of HEA.

AACTE will be working with our members and colleagues to garner congressional support for this measure to be included in the reauthorization of HEA next year. Stay tuned for a related webinar for AACTE members in early 2016.